Alcohol detox, or detoxification, is the term used to describe the body’s response to the elimination of the substance it has become dependent upon. Alcohol detox must be done in a medical center because the body can react violently to withdrawal and only trained medical personnel can administer any necessary medications to help with this process. The objective of alcohol detox is to help the patient attain an alcohol-free state which helps prepare the patient for entry into treatment and rehab. The fundamental goal of alcohol detox is preparation for long-term recovery from alcoholism. Alcohol detox lasts anywhere from 3 to 14 days.

Alcohol detox must be done in a medical center